The 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Ludhiana district, which was launched on March 5 with an ambitious target of vaccinating 40,000 girls aged 14 to 15 years, has been extended by an additional 90 days due to alarmingly low uptake. As of the latest reports, only 825 vaccinations have been completed, prompting the Health Department to prolong the drive and intensify awareness efforts.
Low Vaccination Numbers Prompt Extension
Initially set to conclude within three months, the campaign saw minimal response from the community. Concerned by the slow progress, health authorities decided to extend the drive by another 90 days. Recent awareness initiatives, including workshops in schools and sessions during parent-teacher meetings, have started showing positive results. The pace of immunisation is gradually picking up, with 300 girls vaccinated on Monday and 225 on Tuesday. Officials are optimistic that the extended timeline will help cover more ground before the new deadline.
Coordination Meeting at CHC Sudhar
A special coordination meeting was convened at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sudhar to review the campaign's progress and strategise for full coverage. The meeting was chaired by District Immunisation Officer Dr. Harpreet Singh and Senior Medical Officer of CHC Sudhar, Dr. Davinder Kumar. Key stakeholders, including religious leaders, village panchayat members, sarpanchs, lady health visitors, auxiliary nurse midwives, ASHA workers, and other healthcare staff, were called to understand the importance of the vaccine and propagate the message further.
Health Department's Commitment to 100% Coverage
During the meeting, Dr. Harpreet Singh announced that the special HPV vaccination campaign for girls who have completed 14 years of age but have not yet turned 15 has been extended for another 90 days. He emphasised that the primary objective of the Health Department is to ensure that no eligible girl is deprived of the life-saving vaccine and to achieve 100 percent coverage. Dr. Singh explained that the HPV vaccine is an effective preventive measure against cervical cancer and protects girls from the risk of developing serious diseases in the future. The vaccine has been proven safe and effective worldwide and is considered an important public health intervention.
Civil Surgeon's Appeal to Parents
Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur stressed that special vaccination sessions will continue to be organised in schools and communities to reach all remaining eligible girls. Health workers were instructed to prepare village-wise beneficiary lists, conduct door-to-door outreach, and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left behind. The need for stronger coordination with the Education Department and the Department of Women and Child Development was also highlighted. Religious leaders and representatives of local self-government institutions were requested to create awareness among community members about the benefits of the vaccine and to help dispel myths and misconceptions related to it. Lady Health Visitors, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and ASHA workers were instructed to ensure the proper utilisation of all vaccines and to follow the principle of using vaccines with earlier expiry dates first, thereby preventing vaccine wastage.
Appealing to parents across the district, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur urged them to get their daughters vaccinated against HPV for a healthier and safer future. She said the vaccine acts as a protective shield against a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. She further advised parents not to believe rumours and to contact their nearest government health facility for any information or guidance. All religious leaders, panchayati representatives, and healthcare workers pledged their full support to make the extended HPV campaign a success.
Why HPV Vaccine Matters
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women in India and the fourth most common worldwide. Experts stress that timely vaccination and awareness could prevent a large proportion of cases. Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, stated, "HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective. Parents must come forward to ensure their daughters aged 14–15 years receive the protection during the drive."
The extended campaign aims to leverage the momentum gained from recent awareness drives and ensure that no eligible girl misses the opportunity for this life-saving vaccination.
